Record numbers sign up for Manorlands Big K

But organisers this week issued a note of caution ahead of Sunday’s event, which is in support of Manorlands.

“Whilst record numbers signing-up are a positive indicator of the event’s growing popularity this does not definitely correlate to a record amount raised for the hospice,” said Manorlands fundraiser Andrew Wood.

“Last year’s event proved that. Freezing conditions and snow in the air deterred almost 15 per cent of those who had signed-up in advance from attending on the day, and sponsorship raised was lower than in 2012.

“We are therefore encouraging people to pass their sponsorship forms around friends and family in these final few days before the event and to turn-up whatever the weather on the day.”

Team entries have continued to bolster numbers, with latest recruits including four teams from NRGym in Keighley, a group of members from Cottingley Cornerstones Weight Watchers and over a dozen employees from Shipley company Archerdale, which intends carrying out further fundraising for the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice.

Sunday’s run/walk starts and finishes in Victoria Park and follows a multi-terrain route around the town.

The Jamba Samba band – from Jam on Top – will perform in the park, and Georgina Ford will lead a warm-up.

Over 1,000 people are expected to participate in the event, and leading fundraisers have the honour of their name on their bib and receive complimentary entry to the following year’s extravaganza.

Marshals – from organisations including Keighley Air Cadets, Worth Valley Young Farmers, the Three Acres Inn, Cross Roads and Fell Lane Scouts, Manorlands itself, Keighley Campus Leeds City College and Keighley and Craven Athletics Club – will be spread around the route. They and the runners are reminded that the clocks go forward only hours before the start of the event.

The BigK 10K – which last year raised £49,000 – is sponsored by the Airedale Shopping Centre, White Rose Volkswagen and Convenience Hire. All participants receive a technical T-shirt and a sports bottle provided by Yorkshire Water.

As the event is on Mother’s Day, every mum completing the course will receive a BigK “K-arnation”.